Monte W. Spoor

In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?

Performed any and all duties on crime scenes; testified as an expert witness in all aspects of Crime Scene Investigations; classified and compared inked fingerprints; prepared diagrams, charts and displays; wrote detailed reports; attended and collected evidence at autopsies; provided photographic services for the department; used mechanical and chemical techniques to develop and recover latent fingerprints; performed presumptive chemical testing; collected impression, trace and biological evidence; trained junior Crime Scene Analysts; stayed current in technical knowledge and proficient in all technical skills required on crime scenes.

What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?

Dealing with all aspects of death investigations. I told myself each and every day that it was the most important job anyone could have because you provide answers and closure for the families and loved ones of the deceased.

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

I didn't pick my career, it picked me! Not many people are able to deal with the subject matter you are exposed to in a career investigating crime and death. I believe there is an internal fortitude within a person who chooses this career path that lets them know they can handle what they will be exposed to, and can make it through the difficult investigations.

What is the most useful piece of career advice you got as a student, and who gave it to you?

The most important piece of career advice I can give, is make sure this career path is for you before you dive head first into it. Make sure when you go to college and you have a back up plan. This career exposes you to the worst of the worst society has to offer and not many people who engage in this line of work make it to retirement. Look at all the aspects and facets before deciding that this is what you want to do for the next 30 years. Find a mentor who will expose you to the job requirements while attending college, such as an internship. I was mentored by a colleague who had a 34 year career with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, that's when I knew this career was for me.

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

When I was attending college, I enrolled in an internship program that allowed me to be mentored by a current Crime Scene Investigator with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, this shaped and guided me towards a 30 year career with the same police department.

What is it like when your job gets tough?

The role of Crime Scene Investigator is very difficult, you're exposed to death on a regular basis, various types of crimes that involve the innocent, children and the elderly and you will become mentally and physically drained. You have to learn to not take it personally and to leave your work at work and NOT take it home with you. A person who wants a full career in this field must learn to separate work and personal life to be successful. When the job got tough, I became tougher and saw each and every investigation I worked through to the end.

How did you start building your network?

During my career I held the following positions, which you can say built my network and made me a better investigator: Quality Assistant (09/2014 to 12/2019) Safety Liaison (09/2014 to 12/2019) Training Coordinator (01/1999 to 01/2002 and 01/2009 to 01/2011) Senior Crime Scene Analyst (01/1994 to 12/2019) Crime Scene Analyst II (01/1992 to 01/1994) Crime Scene Analyst I (12/1989 to 01/1992)

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

If you know the career path you wish to follow, go to school, get the needed skills, find a mentor and don't let anything stop you!

Did anyone ever oppose your career plans when you were young or push you in a direction you did not want to go?

No! My immediate family was not thrilled with my career choice but never stopped me from achieving my goals!